DH needs to work on his A1C and I need to work on blood pressure and we both need to lose weight, so we’re starting the DASH diet next week (after I have a chance to make some menus and buy appropriate groceries this weekend; I’m one of those people who has to be insanely organized about stuff like this). I’ve got a couple of books on it and I’ve found a ton of recipes that I’m copying into a file. If anyone has had success, give us your tips.
Don’t forget to add exercise, since increased exercise tends to help blood sugar (HbA1c) control, lower blood pressure, and lose body fat.
For the most part, I try to live the Dash diet and have for a number of years. It fits well with my vegetarian tendencies as well as Weight Watchers.http://dashdiet.org/default.asp My basic rule for eating is, add vegetables to everything and snack on fruit. When faced with food choices, choose low fat and, vegetable filled, but allow some fat indulgences. Going out, I’ll get the Caesar salad with salmon, and not worry about the dressing. I eat an egg or two for breakfast, but add spinach, kale and chives or green onions and low fat cheese. I center what I eat around produce, and have staples to add protein or carb in smaller amounts. What is in my fridge right now as leftovers includes-eggplant sauted and topped with tomato slices and low fat provolone, melted under the broiler. A Thai green curry, filled with all sorts of vegetables as well as shrimp and tilapia chunks, and a chicken stir fry with lots of onions, mushrooms, green peppers and broccoli. I am eating corn on the cob for lunch, with a slice of low fat cheese for a little protein. I do avoid wheat, but don’t like to say no to occasional cookies or pie.
I am not thin, but it has been a rough year. Back on that bandwagon before long. I did manage to give up antihypertensives two years ago, and my BP has stayed low, despite gaining some weight back after working hard on weight loss a year ago. My meditation practice that particular year was helpful, in addition to the diet.
There are many reasons for eating a vegetable centered diet. I like how the Dash researchers brought some methodology to the process.